Question: Will Turning Off My Television Make Any Difference in Stopping China from Propping Up Burma’s Military Regime?

Three Answers:

1) It will help with media.  It will help us bring media attention to China’s policy on Burma before the Olympics.  If one million people sign up to turn off their televisions, we can issue press releases stating this fact.  News media will be very interested in this because it will be the first time in history that individuals — not governments — have boycotted the Olympics.

2) It is not the only thing we are doing.  If one million people turn off their televisions and that is ALL that we do, the impact will be small.  However, we are also going to be calling for massive demonstrations in front of Chinese embassies around the world before and during the Olymipcs.  Television stations that cover the news will use footage of our demonstrations during the Olympics, thus putting more pressure on the Chinese government.  Additionally, we are urging members of Congress to stop China from vetoing acting on Burma by the UN Security Council, working with people in Hollywood to draw public attention to China’s support for the regime, and directly communicating with China about where we are

3) We are not just asking people to turn off their televisions, but consider doing something pro-active for Burma during the Olympics.  We will have events planned across the country that people join, participate in online, and host.  We are hoping that as many people as possible plan an activity to support human rights in Burma.

Question:  Will this Campaign Hurt Athletes Who Have Trained For A Long Time For These Olympics?

Answer:  No.  We are not calling for athletes to not participate.  Instead, we are calling on individuals throughout the world to simply not watch the Olympics.

Question: Are You Going to Be Asking Prominent People To Join Your TV Turnoff Campaign?

Answer: Yes.  Already, Nobel Peace Prize recipients Desmond Tutu and Jody Williams, as well as Hollywood director Steven Spielberg, have downgraded their involvement in the Olympics due to concerns over China’s support for human rights abuses in its foreign policy.  We will be reaching out to these and other prominent people to participate in our campaign.